Department of History STUDY HISTORY AT YORK See the world differently contents Welcome 3 Reasons to study History at York 4 Experience History 6 A global dimension 8 What you will study 10 Our degree courses 12 Studying the past – preparing for your future 14 Teaching, learning and resources 16 The student experience 18 Entry requirements 19 Contact details a I have really enjoyed my degree in History at York. I am intending to pursue a career in Public Relations and my degree has been excellent preparation, developing my skills of research, time management, assessment and independent study. A Kirsty ➔ 3rd Year, BA History Back page Catalan world map: Estense c1450 Professor Stuart Carroll See the World Differently Study History at York As historians we study shifting forms of With more than 40 full-time academic staff, Our teaching style is centred around small group economies, societies, cultures, power and faith. our department is one of the largest and most teaching. We bring curiosity and enthusiasm into History challenges you to think about how intellectually diverse in the UK. Our groundbreaking the classroom in modules inspired by the expertise nations or beliefs are formed, how knowledge, research influences our teaching and means of the Department. You will have a personal violence and ideology reshaped societies and that our courses are distinguished by a vast tutor to guide you through your studies and the how civilisations rise and fall. It encourages chronological range and broad geographic scope opportunity to study abroad and to learn a foreign you to bring independent and informed - from the fall of Rome to the present day and language. perspectives to the world and the challenges spanning the globe from Britain to continental we face today. Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. By studying History at York, you will become Being located in the medieval city of York provides others and communicate clearly. These skills will part of one of the finest institutions in you with a beautiful, rich and diverse backdrop prepare you well for the changing demands of Europe for the advanced study of History. in which to study history. York was founded by today’s world and enable you to see it from new The Department is consistently ranked as a the Romans, captured by the Vikings and invaded perspectives. top ten history department in the UK and top by the Normans, so you will be surrounded by 50 in the world. the past with access to an unparalleled range of buildings, visitor attractions and archival resources. We will encourage you to think independently, use initiative, challenge received ideas, work with We very much hope you will choose to study with us at York and we look forward to welcoming you. Professor Stuart Carroll Head of Department University of York 3 reasons t0 study History at York l You will be taught in small discussion groups and seminars by world-class experts, teaching modules inspired by our cutting-edge research. l You will be joining one of the largest and most intellectually diverse departments in the UK with more than 40 full-time academic staff. l You can cover a huge breadth of time and geographical range, from the fall of Rome to the present day spanning Britain, Europe, North and South America, Asia and Africa. l You will be studying in one of the UK’s most historical and beautiful cities with Roman, Viking and medieval heritage and archaeology. Arab Awakening © Post-war Reconstruction and Development Unit Department of History 4 l You will have a personal tutor to guide you through your studies and to provide support and advice. l You will have access to a wealth of resources and expertise, including libraries, archives, museums and historical buildings. l You will have the opportunity to study abroad and to learn a foreign language. l You will develop a range of transferable skills that are highly valued by employers, opening the door to a wide variety of occupations. l You will become part of the University of York, a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell Group of elite research institutions and one of the leading history departments, consistently ranked in the top ten in the UK and in the top 50 in the world. a I chose History because I loved what the past could tell me about why I am who I am, why I am where I am and where I could be if I just listened to the lessons of the past. A Sara Dixon ➔ BA History 1987 Solicitor now running her own management consultancy in the legal services and ‘social impact’ sectors University of York 5 Right: Students participating in field work at the National Railway Museum Below: the National Railway Museum Experience History York is one of Europe’s most fascinating historic cities and has provided the backdrop to major political events for 2,000 years. The city was founded by the Romans in 71 AD as Eboracum. Following the Roman retreat, York, or ‘Eoforwic’ became a centre for Anglo-Saxon culture and learning. By the ninth century York was a flourishing centre of Anglo-Scandinavian trade, and the city continued to prosper throughout the medieval period as the centre of power for medieval kings and archbishops. As a student at York, you will enjoy the city’s stunning historic remains and buildings from the Roman, Viking, Georgian and Victorian periods as well as the iconic York Minster, the largest Gothic cathedral in northern Europe. In addition to the city, the region boasts some of the finest medieval cathedrals, parish churches and country houses, which are often the focus of staff and student research projects. You will also have access to the Borthwick Institute for Archives, one of the biggest archive repositories outside London, holding collections from all around the world. Meeting professionals and enthusiasts from the wide variety of historical museums and organisations based in the city or joining one of York’s vibrant historical societies will literally bring history to life for you as a student at York. Department of History 6 a I really enjoy the way the Department incorporates the wider resources of the University and the city of York. Many of the modules I took have made use of the University’s Borthwick Archives that provide a huge amount of material, from medieval documents to Poor Law badges and so much more. I’ve had a seminar in York Minster which was pretty special and also used the wellresourced Minster Library on a number of occasions. A Frances ➔ MA in Renaissance and Early Modern Studies (graduate with BA in History 2012) The King’s Manor, part of the University, is a medieval building in the centre of York and a focus of royal power in the 16th and 17th centuries, as headquarters of the Council for the North University of York 7 A GLOBAL DIMENSION We believe that every student should have the opportunity to gain an international experience of some kind. At York we will open your eyes so that you see the world differently, not only through your course and the wide geographical range of topics available for you to choose from, but also through a range of options to study abroad as well as the chance to learn a foreign language. History with a Year Abroad As a History student you will have the opportunity to study every region of the world during your time at York. Our new four-year degree, History with a Year Abroad, allows you to study for three years at York with an additional year abroad. Students studying for the BA in History will also have the option of applying to transfer onto the History with a Year Abroad BA at the end of their first year. You will have the opportunity to study in English or in a foreign language at some of the best universities in the world in North and South America, Asia and Europe. Students at the University of Sorbonne, Paris Global Programmes and Erasmus Both combined and single subject History degree students can apply to study abroad for all or part of your second year. We offer student exchanges under the Erasmus scheme, which allows students who are citizens of EU countries to spend part of the year at another European university. Destinations include: Paris Sorbonne, Aix-en-Provence, Parma, Madrid, Utrecht and Göttingen. In addition, we have an exciting programme of international exchanges with prestigious universities. In recent years our students have studied at the Universities of California and Pennsylvania, as well as universities in Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore. For full details, visit: www.york.ac.uk/globalyork Languages for All Language skills are a tremendous asset for historians: they give you access to a wealth of new primary sources for your dissertation research, and they open up exciting new possibilities for Study Abroad. At York we cater for all ability levels. You can develop a language that you already study, or choose something completely new. History students have the opportunity to take a language module in their first year. You can choose from a wide range of languages, including Medieval Latin and Arabic as well as advanced French and German. If you enjoy your language study during your first year at York, we can help you to continue with that language during the second year. Whether you already have a passion for languages, or if you’re keen to get a second chance to learn one, we have options to support you alongside your History studies and exciting ideas about how you can use your language skills in the final year of your degree. Added to this, when you graduate you’ll have another extremely important skill to add to your CV. Department of History 8 For more information, visit: www.york.ac.uk/study/careers-skills/foreign-language Caludius Ptolemy Atlas c1480 View of Hong Kong harbour a Being able to develop my German skills through the University’s Languages for All scheme was a real attraction in choosing to come to York. I am really enjoying the course and it will significantly help develop my employability and contribute to my future career aspirations. A Nicole ➔ 1st Year, BA History a Studying at Rutgers University in New Jersey has been a highlight of my academic experience. I gained insight into a different culture and academic styles, as well as exciting opportunities to travel. From chanting at American football games to watching the sun set over the Grand Canyon, there was never a dull moment! My experience has helped me realise how much I enjoy exploring how nations relate to each other, which has shaped how I think about my future career. A a The opportunity to attend the Chinese University of Hong Kong was an amazing experience. Led by a range of distinguished academics, the summer school programme allowed me to explore different academic disciplines, including anthropology and foreign policy. With an international focus, I was able to work alongside students from across the world, many who I remain in close contact with. Despite its size, Hong Kong offers an incredible amount to do, whether you’re into food, shopping, outdoor activities or partying. It’s one of the most exciting places in Asia, filled with some of the loveliest people you’ll ever meet. I would definitely recommend the experience to anyone! A Rebecca ➔ 3rd Year, BA History Hussein ➔ 3rd Year, BA History University of York 9 What you will study SOME EXAMPLES OF OUR RESEARCH The Bain Collection, Library of Congress From the medieval to the modern, the French wars of religion, the decolonisation and development of China to the fall of the Roman Empire, the present day economic turmoil in Europe and political challenges in Iran and Africa, you can study a diverse and intellectually exciting range of topics. At any one time, we offer well over 100 courses to choose from, ranging across the history of the world and through the past 2,000 years. Our degrees progress from broad to specialised topics over three years, which helps expand Christmas shoppers in New York c1910 your outlook and encourage work in a variety of fields, introducing themes and approaches that students will not have encountered The Americas Modern Britain a My research area is social inequality in the a I teach modern British history and draw Caribbean from slavery to independence and on my research interests, which include: my teaching deals with the question of race consumerism in Britain and the USA, modern in the Americas. In the first year, I teach a British politics and the history of the 1970s. course on the Harlem Renaissance, an artistic My current project is a history of shopping Our teaching modules are informed by some of and political movement of African Americans in Britain and the USA since 1899 – viewing the research our staff are conducting at York. in the 1920s and 1930s. We look at film clips, shopping as an everyday activity through which paintings, poems and extracts from novels as modern identities are forged around issues of well as speeches from race leaders. My courses choice, value and taste. A in the second and third years examine how Lawrence Black Professor of Modern British History before. You will be able to develop your own areas of historical interest while following core modules that provide a solid foundation in the professional and intellectual skills needed for historical study. racial inequalities have changed by looking at unfree labour, plantation slavery, serfdom in Russia, the Alabama chain gang and sex trafficking in Eastern Europe. A Henrice Altink Senior Lecturer Department of History 10 Samurai warriors by Shuntei Katsukawa c1818 Barbados women c1765 by Agostino Brunias King Henry VIII Asia and the Middle East Medieval History a My teaching is influenced by my research and a I am a medieval historian working on the knowledge of East Asian history. I am interested monarchies and aristocracies of France and in the way that concepts and ideas are England at the end of the Middle Ages. We have translated and adapted across different societies to use medieval literature and treatises to shed to suit very different purposes. For example the light on the ideas and values of the people that development of nationalism and national identity owned them. One of my specialist areas is Joan of in early modern and modern East Asia, and the Arc. By understanding her life and beliefs we have influence they have had on society, culture and extraordinarily rich information about France in politics is intriguing. One of my modules focuses the middle of 15th century. I encourage students on the role of the Japanese Empire in the making to think about different sources of information of the East Asian order, including Korea, China and whether they merge ‘truth’ and ‘fiction’. A and Taiwan. A Craig Taylor Senior Lecturer in Medieval History Oleg Benesch Lecturer in Modern History University of York 11 Our degree courses With such a wide range of subjects to choose from, led by world-class experts in their field, studying History at York is a rich and rewarding experience. All the courses offer the opportunity to research, analyse, reflect and really get to the heart of how and why things happened in our history and the impact they have had on the world. You can study a single subject History degree, or choose a joint degree. Joint degree students follow the same progression as single subject students, but take half as many modules per term. We offer the following BA (Hons) degree courses: l Single subject History l English and History l History and Economics l History and French l History and History of Art l History and Philosophy l History and Politics l History with a Year Abroad (four-year degree). Students build on the core modules taught in the first year, and then choose from options including medieval, modern and early modern offerings, British and global subjects and a range of intellectual approaches and themes in Years Two and Three. There is also the opportunity to learn a new language and to live and study abroad – see page 8 for further details. Year One Year two The first year equips you with the tools necessary for The second year allows you to focus in greater degree-level History and provides a foundation for depth on the events, themes or periods that subjects and skills needed for years two and three. interest you the most. Modules may include: Making Histories – introducing source analysis, approaches and working methods for the practice of History Period topics An intensive introduction to a historical subject. Taught in seminars by a member of staff, designed to stimulate your learning and encourage debate. Topics include: l Rome: from imperial city to sacred centre l Shakespeare’s world l Violence, miracle and renaissance in medieval France l Washington and Napoleon l Colonial governance in India, 1757 to 1857 l The end of the Cold War. From Rome to Renaissance – the transformation of traditional societies c400-1650 Citizens, Comrades and Consumers – the making of the modern world, 1650-present Thinking through History - challenging new ideas on topics such as vice and virtue, freedom and servitude (This can be substituted for a Languages for All module.) You choose two Histories and Contexts modules and two Explorations modules. These modules pull you closer into an historical period or problem through lectures and weekly discussion groups led by a member of staff. Module choice is vast and can vary from year to year but could cover areas such as the end of the Roman world, the Tudor regime, power and belonging in the US, sickness and health in early modern England, Africa and the world since the 1950s and the economic and environmental history of China. You will also cover Dissertation Skills – which will help you to develop your research skills in preparation for the dissertation and teach you how to use primary materials - this is how to analyse and utilise historical evidence and information. Whichever route you take, you will be challenged, intrigued and surprised. Department of History 12 Modules are subject to change so please check our website for the most up-to-date choices. For details on our extensive range, visit: www.york.ac.uk/history/undergraduate/courses Year three The third year is dedicated to advanced, in-depth historical work. a The sheer breadth of history that can be studied at York and the many opportunities to choose subjects throughout your degree enable you to follow your interests as well as discover new, fascinating areas you may not have considered studying before. A Stephanie ➔ 2nd Year BA History a The range of module choice at York is simply unparalleled. Not only is there an incredible variety for you to choose from but the lecturers clearly aim to make the courses gripping, unusual and relevant. A The main component is a Special Subject – intensive historical work using primary materials to study the Jordan ➔ 2nd Year BA History issues around a historical subject on a wide range of topics such as the Black Death; Germany from war to dictatorship; India and Africa since the late 19th century and the politics of the permissive society in 1960s Britain’. This is supported by modules on Debating Historical Practice – a core module confronting the conceptual and methodological issues in the practice and use of history and Comparative Histories, which interrogates a theme – Food, Utopias, Magic – across different periods and places. You will also write your Dissertation – a 10,000-word original and independent piece of work on a subject or theme of your choice, written and researched over 12 a I am really enjoying the combination of engaging, thought-provoking lectures, and seminars which provide stimulating and challenging debate with both members of the Department and other students. A Alec ➔ 2nd Year, BA History months. University of York 13 Studying the past – preparing for your future Studying History at York demands a high level of Once you’ve completed your degree, you will have a commitment, tenacity and intellectual creativity. wide range of opportunities open to you. Over 90% The breadth and diversity of our courses of our students achieve upper second or first class require students to critically analyse complex degrees and our former students have gone on to information, challenge and question opinion and have challenging and rewarding careers in sectors ideas, and then present arguments of their own such as law, social work, politics, diplomacy and in a succinct and compelling way. government, management, finance, journalism All these skills are vital for preparing students Right: Graffiti by Kaizer, Cairo 2012 and teaching. to enter today’s highly competitive jobs market Some students choose to remain in academia and – where independence of thought, maturity, many have developed successful careers in research team working and communications skills are both in the UK and overseas, pushing the boundaries valued highly by top employers. in the study of history and numerous other subjects. In addition to acquiring these skills on the degree, students also have access to a wide range of extracurricular opportunities, including careers events and workshops, IT and language courses. In addition, there are internships, voluntary activities and community activities that all go towards your personal development and prepare you for your future career. a History contains all the greatest stories from the past. That’s why it makes great television. It informs everything about the present. A Dan Snow TV Presenter To see a short film made by Dan Snow see: www.york.ac.uk/ipup/ events/speakers/dan-snow.html Department of History 14 Left: Eyes of the Home Skies by Clayton Kenney 1943 Here are some examples of just where a degree in History from York can take you… a At the National Railway Museum, I’m responsible for developing exhibitions a History is an excellent training for the legal a Since finishing my degree, I have worked as an and other content for the museum – this includes researching story-lines and profession. The ability to produce a sensible, intern, volunteered abroad and travelled. I wanted content, choosing objects and images and writing text. I’m also involved in the reasoned argument, well-crafted and presented, to experience new and different things before design of what exhibitions look like, how visitors will interact with the content that persuades the listener to your point of view embarking on further study. People often assume and what they do during a visit to the museum. – it’s the same skills for a historical essay as for legal that a History degree gives you two career options: submissions! Honing your analytical and critical skills to teach or to just become ‘a historian’. A History in the field of History stands you in excellent stead degree, however, opens so many more doors than for the analysis needed in the typical legal case, and this; the skills you develop are recognised and communication skills are everything in both History can be applied across a variety of sectors and in The structure of the History course at York, which offered the chance to cover a broad range of subjects, and the strong focus on small seminar groups was particularly attractive. I also liked the community feel of a campus university, with the added benefit of being so close to an attractive, historic city. and the Law. I can honestly say (and do frequently) numerous fields. It is as an opportunity to shape I now find that I work best in a team environment, and I think, this in part, stems that not taking a Law degree did not handicap me how you think and to develop essential skills that from participating in seminars where debate and discussion were the major in any way in my profession – and indeed has given will influence decisions about a future career path components. The research skills that were an integral part of my degree are, of me a much broader perspective than many of my and help make it achievable. A course, very transferable to my current role, as is the practice of taking a large peers. A body of information and distilling it to form a coherent narrative. A Ed Farrelly BA History 1987 Partner at DWF LLP, specialising in Employment Law Ella Berny BA History 2011 Studying for an MA in History at University College London Ruth Leach BA History 2006 MA Early Modern History 2007 Interpretation Developer at the National Railway Museum, York University of York 15 Teaching, Learning and Resources As well as academic curiosity and genuine Small group teaching enthusiasm for History, you will find an energy We teach through a combination of lectures, here that is hard to beat. We help you bring seminars and one-to-one supervisions, but the history to life, make it relevant and real, and give majority of our teaching, 66%, is in small groups you a learning experience that will equip you or personal tutorials. This rises to 86% in the with skills and knowledge for life. third year. The Department has over 40 full-time academic Each student has a personal tutor whom they see staff, all leaders in their field, with interests on a one-to-one basis at least once a term and spanning the globe and ranging from the fifth to who helps guide and support them through their the 21st century. In addition to our Departmental team, students also have access to the University of York’s fully resourced, state-of-the-art library and the unique Borthwick Institute for Archives, one of the biggest repositories of archives outside London. The Minster Library is another invaluable resource, situated in the historic Old Palace next to York Minster. It is the largest cathedral library in Britain containing 120,000 volumes covering theology, history, art and architecture. Student satisfaction fact: in the 2012 National Student Survey the Department scored over 90% student satisfaction for its teaching. Department of History 16 study and preparations for the future. a The emphasis on small group teaching here at York encourages students to work together in the best ways: to listen to and engage others, to appreciate difference and yet articulate their own point of view, and to work together to think bigger. I find this makes our students braver intellectually: they are not trying to be ‘right’, or to make a question go away, but to explore new avenues and find new ways into a problem. The small-group teaching also means I can get to know my students as individuals and can engage with how they think. A Dr Sethina Watson ➔ Lecturer a The breadth of the curriculum at York is hard to beat, and students who take up the opportunity to study here come away with broad and sophisticated understandings of the past and also the contemporary world. A Dr Sabine Clarke ➔ Lecturer a The feedback from students is that the Department is friendly and unpretentious; the staff approachable and helpful. Students really benefit from the choice of modules, which comes from being the largest history department outside Oxford and Cambridge, and appreciate the opportunity to study with tutors who are passionate and deeply knowledgeable about the subject. A Dr Simon Ditchfield ➔ Reader in History and Chair of the Board of Studies a There is an excellent relationship between students and staff within the Department of History that fosters a mutual interest and appreciation for the study of history. The contact time with staff here is of a very high quality and the Department is always willing to help students. York is a truly world-class institution and I am so glad I chose to study here. A Thomas ➔ 2nd Year, BA History Students learning how to read historical manuscripts in the Borthwick Institute for Archives University of York 17 the student experience The University of York is based at Heslington, on the cities including London, Edinburgh, Leeds and edge of the historic city of York, where our colleges Manchester, as well as the wealth of beautiful are set in an attractive landscaped campus. It is countryside and coastline offered in Yorkshire compact, easy to get around and is a safe, friendly and beyond. environment in which to study and socialise. The campus also offers excellent sports facilities, including the new York Sport Village. You’ll become part of the University’s close collegiate environment. Its emphasis on support and pastoral care, means you’ll make friends and settle in quickly. York is also one of Britain’s best connected cities, offering great transport links to other major a population of 190,000, it is big enough to feel cosmopolitan but small enough not to be overwhelming. It is a friendly place with a diverse range of shops, galleries, clubs, cafés, museums, music groups and sports clubs. A place you can settle into quickly and with something for everyone. For more information on student life in York, visit the website at www.york.ac.uk/study/student-life. The University of York is one of the success As a member of the UK’s prestigious Russell stories in UK higher education. Recognised as Group of elite research institutions, we have the ‘best young university’ in the UK and eighth an impressive research profile both nationally in the world among universities under 50 and internationally, which means that our (Times Higher Education), 90% of our students teaching at undergraduate level is relevant are satisfied with the quality of our teaching and cutting-edge. (National Student Survey 2012). Department of History 18 Life in York is varied, colourful and lively. With a York is quite simply one of the finest cities in England. It really is a beautiful city and the Minster is awesome. There is bags of culture here, and some fantastic shopping, and the night life is good fun too. A Claire 1st Year, BA History entry requirements We welcome enquiries from all potential History a I was drawn to York initially because of the flexible nature of the course and its chronological breadth. I was also keen to attend a university with a high academic reputation and to be in a city that had an interesting historical past. York was the perfect choice for me. A undergraduates. As well as a passion for History, our entry requirement is typically AAA at A level (or equivalent), including an A in either History (any syllabus) or Classical Civilisation. Please see our website www.york.ac.uk/history/undergraduate/courses for details of all entry requirements. We use your personal statement, exam performance and the reference on your UCAS form when considering aptitude for studying History at degree level. If you are offered a place, you will usually receive an invitation to visit the Department where Charter of Fulk Fitzwarin c1200, Borthwick Institute for Archives Sian Barber BA History 2001 Lecturer in Film at Queen’s University, Belfast and author on British Cinema and censorship you will have the opportunity to meet our staff and current students. We welcome applications from mature students who would like to study History. We take into account any formal qualifications that you may have, but lack of them is not necessarily a barrier to admission. The individual circumstances of all applicants are carefully considered. For details of how to apply, see our website at: www.york.ac.uk/history/undergraduate/courses or contact our friendly admissions tutor, email: [email protected] University of York 19 Herman Moll’s ‘A New Map of the Whole World with the Trade Winds’ c1736 Join the world-leading Department of History at the University of York, close to the historic city of York. See the world differently by studying a vast chronological range from the fall of Rome to the present day and spanning the globe from Britain to continental Europe, Asia, the Americas and Africa. Gain invaluable skills for the changing demands of today’s world. For full details of all the courses available and information about the Department, please see our website at www.york.ac.uk/history or the undergraduate prospectus at www.york.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/prospectus Contact details: Please contact our admissions tutor on Tel: +44 (0)1904 322977 Email: [email protected] Web: www.york.ac.uk/history/undergraduate/courses
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